On 21 June 2018, the Home Office published a statement of intent giving further details about how EU citizens and their families can obtain settled status in the UK (also called ‘indefinite leave to remain’) under the new EU Settlement Scheme.
The statement sets out the eligibility requirements for the scheme and how it will work. It also includes draft Immigration Rules which will give effect to the scheme.
The criteria to apply under the scheme are the following:
- to prove identity;
- show that the applicant has been living in the UK for at least 5 years; and
- declare that the applicant has no serious criminal convictions.
For those who already have valid permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain documentation, they will be able to exchange it for settled status for free.
Those who have not yet lived in the UK for five years will be granted pre-settled status and be able to apply for settled status once they reach the five-year point.
Under the scheme, EU citizens will be required to prove their identity, their residence in the UK and to declare any serious past criminal convictions. It will cost £65 to apply under the scheme (£32.50 for children under 16).
There will be a phased roll-out of the scheme from late 2018 and it is expected to be open fully by 30 March 2019. We intend to publish a more in-depth update on the new EU Settlement Scheme in due course.
Workers that have not yet applied for UK citizenship, if eligible under the scheme, will be able to continue working in the UK either for their UK employers or as self-employed.
To follow he link to the Gov.UK website detailing the application process: